LHDA sets ‘lofty’ goals

By Neo Kolane

The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) has launched a 10-year strategic plan which puts people at the centre of the Lesotho Highlands Water project (LHWP) activities.

According to LHDA chief executive, Tente Tente, the new approach is designed to maximize benefits that promote the well-being of the communities that are directly and indirectly served and impacted by the project.

Tente said the strategic plan is also driven by the desire to protect the environment and the ecosystems that nurture sustainability for the transnational water transfer project.

He noted that it is informed by global, regional and local demands for institutions and organisations to pull more than just their economic weight during operations like metrics of profitability and cash reserves.

“This is an important commitment and plan by the LHDA to amplify those areas of our work that have for a long time flown under the radar, and ensure direct and intentional beneficiation for Basotho and Lesotho, from the LHWP.

“This unveiling marks a bold and ambitious commitment that the LHDA is making public for the first time.

“This strategy represents our unwavering commitment to enhancing water security, promoting socio-economic development, and fostering regional cooperation,” he indicated during the launch last week.

The 2024-2034 strategic plan comes at a crucial point for the LHWP, when Phase II implementation is roaring ahead. With it comes the expectations, demands and commitments to what the project can deliver for Lesotho.

As part of this re-definition of LHDA’s approach to realising the organisation’s strategic core purpose in the truest sense, Tente said they also redefined the articulation of the LHDA’s vision, which in its essence is their daily compass in helping them achieve their true worth.

At the same occasion, natural resources minister, Mohlomi Moleko said he is thankful that the LHDA’s new strategy has been presented in front of a diverse and important group of stakeholders.

Moleko pointed out that to achieve the lofty and bold ambitions that have been outlined in the plan, it will require not just the LHDA’s, but a concerted effort by all those who care to see Lesotho develop.

“I encourage everyone who attended the launch to receive the strategy presented not just with open minds, but with minds eager for collaboration and strategic partnership,” he advised.

He further indicated that his ministry remains steadfast in its support to the work of the LHDA, and are the biggest believers in the potential of the organisation to create a hopeful future for Lesotho.

“We will, and already are doing all we can to ensure that the governing instruments of the LHDA, do not limit the LHDA in what it can achieve,” Moleko assured the LHDA.

For his part, prime minister Ntsokoane Matekane said if things go according to plan, Lesotho will not be the same again after the completion of Phase II.

Matekane commended the LHWC and the LHDA board of directors for having the presence of mind, and the courage to interrogate themselves on the merits of how this project has been doing in the past 37 to 38 years.

“I commend you for not only doing that collaboratively, but for also having the honesty to point out, where things have not been going according to plan, that it is time to revisit the founding instruments and use them to chart a new way forward.

“The contribution the LHDA has made to Lesotho’s development since the advent of Phase I, cannot be overstated. It is equally true that in that significant contribution, there have been lessons to learn and insights to harness, in order to better serve Basotho.

“I am excited that LHDA and its principals, have decided to make use of those insights and those learnings, to map a bold new way forward that will make their impact even more visible, and more personal to the direct beneficiaries of this project, in the communities and across the whole country,” he said.

Matekane added that he has been made aware of several complaints by business fora, workers, and communities at large, and therefore urged the LHDA to seriously consider these complaints and to be deliberate in resolving them timely.